Environment Planning Specialist – Water Quality - 32375

Environment Planning Specialist – Water Quality - 32375
1
South West
Bodmin , Exeter , Launceston
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share
£43,198

28/12/2025, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

We are recruiting a Water Quality Specialist to join our Integrated Environment Planning (IEP) Team in Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (DCIS). IEP drive improvements in local rivers, lakes and coastal waters by understanding the pressures they face, finding solutions, and working with those who can deliver change.  

Given the scale of future investment by water companies in England, and the record number of improvements required by the Environment Act, a significant priority will be reviewing and shaping water company proposals. You will work closely with the local Water Company, reviewing the data and information they provide. You will need to communicate with them effectively and be able to influence them to go further against competing priorities.

You will also lead business as usual activities of improving and maintaining our designated Protected Areas e.g. Bathing Waters and Drinking Waters, both of which are critical to the DCIS area. To do this, you will work with National colleagues, who provide guidance, and technical support. You will also work with other local Area Teams with specialist knowledge in different aspects of the local environment, and environmental regulations.  

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.
The Integrated Environment Planning (IEP) Team is made up of planning specialists and officers, focusing on water quality, water resources and catchment planning. We work together and with others to develop plans and actions to protect and improve water quality in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. You will work primarily within catchment planning and water quality.
Essential:
- Degree or equivalent qualification in an environmental discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Engineering, Geoscience, Ecology, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Data Science) OR substantial relevant professional experience.
- Relevant environmental work experience (e.g., water companies, environmental or engineering consultancy, regulatory roles in government/public bodies, research, education, environmental charities).
- Technical background in water quality, with understanding of current environmental pressures and solutions.

Desirable:
- Ability to analyse and present technical information to diverse audiences.
- Strong organisational skills, including planning, tracking, delivery, and evaluation to meet standards and deadlines.
- Effective influencing and persuasion skills with external partners.
- Experience working with water companies and knowledge of their operations.
- Membership of, or working towards, a relevant professional institute (e.g., CIWEM, IEMA).
This is a permanent role in the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Environment Planning team. The role will be based in our Exeter, Launceston or Bodmin office, but through a flexible hybrid model that allows a balance of working at offices or home to suit the needs of both individuals and the business.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact Charles Ikediashi, charles.ikediashi@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Interviews will be held mid-January 2026 in person at Manley House, Exeter.
Strategic Environment Planning
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Develops, delivers and implements strategic plans for the sustainable use, protection and improvement of our environment.

Question:
Please explain a project you have been involved with that delivered, or is delivering, a successful environmental outcome.
Data and Information Management
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.

Question:
Please give an example of when you have used data to identify issues and make decisions.
Influences and Persuades Others
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

Question:
Tell us about a time when you have needed to influence others to gain acceptance of your plans.
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.

Question:
Describe a time when you had to solve a particularly unusual or difficult business problem.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the  Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.